Catherine Townsend-Lyon's Blog

Secrets of a Nun

Elizabeth Upton
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN:  979-8388248473
Official Website: https://authorelizabethupton.com/


Reviewed by Heather Curran for Reader Views (11/08/2025)

“Growing up in southern Germany, I frequently saw nuns when my family and I visited local churches and cathedrals.  In my trips to Rome, when I toured the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, nuns were likewise admiring the artwork or praying.  Each time I noticed them, I was impressed by their selfless austerity and commitment to service.  Elizabeth Upton’s book Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story both echoed my original perceptions while giving me a glimpse into a very nuanced life. 

Secrets of a Nun spans the decades Upton lived and served as a nun.  From an early age, she was called into service, entering the convent before her twenties.  During her time in the ministry, she worked within different localities, striving to improve the quality of life while combating societal and political ills. 

Secrets of a Nun humanizes women called into service. 
In poignant scenes, Upton narrates her experiences at university alongside other nuns. 
As they spent time together, they recognized their value and significance as intelligent, educated women.  Too often, unfair stereotypes are identified and then dismissed; it’s easy to pigeonhole women in religious orders and service as emotionless, one-dimensional, and almost unfeeling.  Upton turns that notion on its head and gives the reader a private, intimate understanding of the emotional and intellectual complexity that characterizes her and her religious sisters.

Upton’s beautiful writing leads the reader through her experiences. Conversations leap from the page and show the difficulties that Upton navigated as she entered neighborhoods that, at times, resented her presence.  With care and an observant eye, she recognizes the politics within any religious organization and how, sadly, these political wranglings can negatively affect even the most devout and compassionate groups. 

Elizabeth Upton’s Secrets of a Nun will appeal to memoir readers who want to learn about complex subjects and people undergoing a psychological and personal journey.  Upton’s book is reminiscent of Memoirs of a Geisha in how it explores a woman’s emotional and intellectual growth within a society that frequently tries to diminish her, as it shares her powerful, intimate story of faith, identity, and resilience, revealing the emotional depth behind a life of devotion and quiet rebellion.

I highly recommend this book to all young women…

“Secrets Of A Nun: My Own Story”
Is Available From Amazon

“Secrets of a Nun is a revealing, uncompromisingly honest, and deeply moving look into one woman’s soul.
Now Celebrating 2025, the 40th Anniversary of this publication ‘Secrets of a Nun’…

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Nun-My-Own-Story/dp/B0BZF76712/

“Love all mysteries by Kim Carter! The characters are well developed. Iris and Clara become more fun and outspoken with each book. Really enjoy the Clara and Iris relationship. The mysteries are full of twists and turns to keep you intrigued to the very end. Can’t wait for the next case for Clara and Iris!”

THE WAIT IS OVER!

For Immediate Release:

The author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Mystery – Murder book “Time Did Not Forget” by Kim Carter, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FX3DF82C.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the most extensive book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins. They have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

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“Reviewed By Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite

Time Did Not Forget by Kim Carter is the fourth book in the Clara and Iris Mystery series. Widows Clara Samples and Iris Hadley, both in their mid-seventies, are private investigators based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their latest case takes them to Biloxi, where they agree to help their friend Charnell find her long-lost nephew, Cobie, who was kidnapped years earlier from a daycare playground. Despite the ransom being paid, Cobie was never returned, and the kidnapper vanished without a trace.

The case had gone cold, and no investigator wanted to reopen it. When Charnell takes an ancestry test that reveals she has a living nephew, she becomes convinced that Cobie is still alive. Not long after, Clara and Iris receive a mysterious newspaper clipping about a house fire in Fairburn, Ohio, from fourteen years ago, in which a local couple perished. Could this long-forgotten tragedy be tied to Cobie’s kidnapping all those years ago?

Time Did Not Forget by Kim Carter is a complex and captivating mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story moves at a rapid pace and is packed with action and unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down. The engaging writing style drew me deep into the investigation, leaving me constantly wondering what would happen next. Several plotlines seamlessly merged without detracting from each other.

The characters were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed Clara and Iris’s banter during their investigation, but Iris was my favorite character. Iris was frank and expressed her opinions, regardless of their appropriateness. The book was excellently written, and the events were so descriptive that I could not turn the pages fast enough.”

You can learn more about Kim Carter and “Time Did Not Forget” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/time-did-not-forget where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202

Having grown up in Fairburn, Kim Carter moved to Newnan with her husband, Julius, seven years ago.

Her writing room is adorned with signed photographs and movie memorabilia from Angela Lansbury and actor Ari Lehman, the original young Jason from “Friday the 13th,” among the multitude of macabre decor. A life-size Michael Myers mannequin leers at Carter from one corner of the room while One-Eyed Willie, the skeleton from the Goonies, sits on an opposite wall, keeping an eye on her writing.

“This is something that my husband had done before he passed away, and I know it’s probably rather creepy to the average person, but there’s a lot of really cool stuff in here. I don’t write horror – I’m not a Stephen King or a Dean Koontz,” she explains. “I just love to collect all the cool things. I have a sound machine, and I’ll cut the lights off, and it’s really inspiring.”

“I think writers are very eclectic, we’re weird people,” she adds. “We write because it’s who we are. It’s what leads us to start fifteen projects at once, even though they may not ever get completed, or even see the light of day.” Carter started writing in 1999. “It was when an illness left me homebound that I turned to writing as a form of therapy,” she says. What started with a sentence, a paragraph, and then a couple of pages turned into a book. “It was my story; it was the beginning of finding myself and retrieving my health,” says Carter.

Friends and neighbors read her first manuscript, which came to them rolled up and held together with rubber bands, and became fully invested in the story and characters. This encouraged her to keep writing. “We all have a story in us. We’re actually living one every day,” she explains.

For her second book, Carter says, “My faithful group came through again and read the book in small sections, rolled up with rubber bands. I had garnered more support by then, especially from my husband, Julius, who was convinced they needed to be published. I’d love to flippantly say, ‘That’s when we were off to the races. But nothing goes as planned. That is one thing of which I’m certain.”

Four books and two publishers later, Carter says her writing career stagnated. “The people who read them seemed to like them, but I wasn’t within reach of a broad audience.”

Losing confidence, writing for deadlines and not for fun, Carter also began experiencing more health problems. “I left several projects incomplete, turned the computer off, and closed my office door. It was no longer therapeutic but too challenging. I was done with writing.” Slipping into depression, Carter says she received a wakeup call from her best friend, Kelly Keylon. Says Carter, “Kelly says, ‘You’re too good, you’re not going to quit – if I have to get these books out there myself, I’ll do it.’ And he did!”

They revisited her older novels and updated them. Re-inspired, Carter says her hands were soon tap-dancing across the keys once again. “My publicist, Catherine Lyon, worked day and night for meager wages, and we secured the talented Keith Saunders as a cover designer,” she says.

Her seventh release, “Dark Secrets of the Bayou,” was released in late November 2020, with over 160+ Amazon reviews. Kim Carter says her eighth book, ” The Root Of All Evil, ” was released as part of the ‘Clara and Iris’ trilogy titled “The Root Of All Evil,” released on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024. Carter’s new release in the ‘Clara and Iris ‘ trilogy will be available from Amazon on November 1st, 2025, making it a total of nine novel releases to her literary credit.

“Every month, my girl Cat (Townsend-Lyon) calls to tell me where my books have been sold, reaching places I’ve never even visited, the U.K., Canada, Australia, and even Japan and Spain, while also being featured in ‘The New Post!” Carter, who has always loved murder mysteries, goes back to her high school days when she watched “Murder She Wrote” with her family. Reading various mystery authors helped her develop her own writing style.

Previous educator and close friend Juli Simpson has also been instrumental in helping Carter with her writing and ideas. “So many times I will paint myself into a corner and then I’m like, how am I feasibly going to get out of this where it’s believable?” 

Kim Carter never knows what will inspire her with an idea for a book.

“It may be a place that’s both beautiful and creepy, or it may be just something that a person says that triggers me,” she says. “I’ve been to the morgue, the medical examiner’s office, cemeteries in the middle of the night, just all kinds of places that inspire me.

Actor Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, and I became extraordinary pen pals when he was in a supermax (prison) in Florence, Colorado.” She also reaches out to people at the GBI, the Atlanta police department, and various homicide departments, which may inspire a new storyline.

Kim Carter advises up-and-coming writers: “I think the key is having your own place to write, surrounded by things that inspire you. Having your own space to write, where you can close it off, is truly instrumental.”

(Interview/image courtesy of writer Jennifer Dziedzic of
of the AJC & Newnan-Cowets Magazine)

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ABOUT THE NOVELIST KIM CARTER

Novelist Kim Carter is a multi-award-winning author and critically acclaimed writer of gripping suspense, chilling thrillers, and haunting historical mysteries.

Ms. Carter is widely recognized for her vibrant characters in her ‘A Clara and Iris Mystery’ series, which features two overly curious widows who become private investigators. These humorous women are inspired by Kim’s mother and her mother’s best friend. The series now includes books one through four. Book two of this series, Murder Among The Tombstones, was chosen as a Finalist for the 2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a recipient of the 2017 TCK Publishers’ Readers’ Choice Award.

Her Mysteries and literary works include Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle, When Dawn Never Comes, Deadly Odds (chosen Editor’s Pick in Books Shelf Magazine in 2022), No Second Chances, ‘And The Forecast Called For Rain,’ and ‘Dark Secrets of the Bayou, ‘The Root Of All Evil, in 2024, and her newest ‘A Clara and Iris’ mystery’ Time Did Not Forget’ in Nov. 2025.

“Dark Secrets of The Bayou” has been awarded a Reader’s Favorite Editorial 5-Star Review, also chosen #1 Finalist for Best Historical Mystery from Reader’s Favorite 2021 book awards, and was awarded a 2021 Killer Nashville Finalist for The Silver Falchion Awards. In 2022, “Bayou” was chosen by The Author Shout book awards as a ‘Recommended Read.’

Kim’s novels can be purchased online at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B019QSNFI0/allbooks
Barnes and Noble, BAM, and IndieBound.

Kim’s writing career started after she suffered an illness that made her housebound for a couple of years. An avid reader of mystery novels herself, she embarked on writing to fill her time. Kim’s health struggles and successes have been chronicled on Lifetime Television in early 2000, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women’s Day Magazine, and Guidepost.

Now, with nine thrilling mystery titles to her credit, Kim worked in many different capacities in county government. Still, her job as a correctional officer ultimately offered her opportunities to talk and interact with a diverse group of people. Her experience runs the gamut from inspiring success stories to tragic endings as she writes within her mysteries.

Kim began networking and connected with numerous homicide detectives, medical examiners, and prison officials. Her research has taken her to many places, including morgues, death row, and the occasional midnight visit to cemeteries to gain material for her novels. She is a Saint Leo University college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

When she is not writing, she enjoys gardening, is an avid reader, and is a proud mother of four beautiful grown children; she resides and shares her time in Biloxi and Atlanta.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, YouTube, BlueSky,

GENRES
Book Review Books Cozy Mystery Fiction Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Novella Romantic Suspense

“Murders in the Lonely Graveyard” by Elizabeth Upton


Murders in the Lonely Graveyard
Elizabeth Upton
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8218546113
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (10/06/2025)

Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views
( https://readerviews.com/reviews/murders-in-the-lonely-graveyard-upton/ )

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard by Elizabeth Upton is not your average…anything. 
I want to call this flash fiction, but 124 pages fall into the short story or novella category more precisely.  But there are certainly similarities in the way Ms. Upton spins her tale.  Falling into the romantic suspense genre—sort of—Murders in the Lonely Graveyard reflects the sometimes-ironic nature of life as love blooms and grows in a derelict cemetery.

Let’s examine the suspected genre for a moment. There is certainly romance here, as Autumn comes to the graveyard with her elderly aunt for an annual graveside visit and finds herself trading business cards with a handsome man.  Bam!! insta-love at its finest. In fact, readers may begin to wonder if everyone in this tale is falling in love—even the dog. The cozy mystery also wants its place here as the man, Brien, stumbles moments later over two bodies and a squalling infant. 

But wait, there’s more! 

As Autumn and Brien strangely and quickly exchange business cards in the cemetery, then just moments later, as Brien (who we learn is a District Attorney), calls his sister to take custody of the infant at the crime scene without the knowledge of the police, we realize that farcical humor has earned a spot in the genre hierarchy.  This is reinforced as Autumn walks by the police chief in his car a few minutes later and admires his tall, good looks—something she had just done with her insta-love buddy Brien as they met and did their bizarre business card exchange.

Are you getting the idea here?  This novella is unique.  It flies by the seat of its pants at the speed of light, and the reader learns to hang on tight, go with the flow, and not take things too seriously. However, this doesn’t mean this short story doesn’t carry weight. Within these pages, Ms. Upton will provide you with a compelling mystery, miniature backstories of some key characters, budding romance, and all the clues you’ll need to solve this quirky puzzle. Dialogue-driven, every word moves the reader toward the satisfaction of the mysterious murders. 
I genuinely don’t know how she did it.

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard may be just your cup of tea if you prefer to read a book within one sitting. Readers who enjoy spoofs that can’t seem to take themselves seriously will also enjoy this madcap romance race.  Even traditional romantic suspense fans will find this unique piece worth a gander. However, given its speedster nature, it might be more appropriate to call it a romantic mystery since it could be argued that there is not enough time to build actual suspense.
 

Regardless of how one defines Elizabeth Upton’s Murders in the Lonely Graveyard, it is a love story born in a neglected cemetery that blooms with new life as love grows, symbolic of Autumn herself.


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In celebrating her awarded 5-star editorial review, Elizabeth shares her ‘John Callahan’ series of Kindle books on sale for readers who enjoy romantic mystery suspense! All three Kindles are now $0.99 from Amazon and are available in print and audiobooks!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC4YP1Z7/

About The Series of John Callahan

John Callahan is a good man with a sinister past—and his past will not let him live in peace. Against the odds, he matures from a teenage Belfast street thug and an IRA killer to a happily married man and expectant father. Years later, just as he finds peace and serenity again as a monk in a rural Irish monastery, a vindictive superior banishes the handsome young priest to a derelict parish in New York City.

Father Callahan is forced back into dangerous filth, corruption, and crime. Can he remain a celibate priest, or will he abandon the life of faith for more sensual pleasures? Will he stay a good man or return to the dark criminal life he once knew so well?

Within each book of “The John Callahan Series,” Elizabeth Upton shares a gripping, thrilling, suspense-filled fictional story with lots of drama and intrigue. Books one through three are real page-turners for avid contemporary mystery readers.


HAPPY SPOOKTOBER READING!

Welcome, Friends & Readers
Elizabeth Is Happy to Share Some Updates
With You As She Continues Celebrating
The 40th Year of “Secrets Of A Nun:
My Own Story,” her First
Published Book!

I am delighted to share the photo above, which features my book showcased in the wonderful Montecito Journal newspaper at the end of June 2025! It is a wonderful newspaper in my local area of Santa Barbara and Montecito, California. There are many exciting happenings for both “Secrets of a Nun” and my romantic thriller, “The Shaman and The Mafia.

Right now, “Secrets” is featured in a wonderful readers’ magazine for August and September called “First Chapter Plus” by Reader Views. As the rest of the year goes on, I have several more events set for my book!
The new issue is now out; you can subscribe to it FREE!
CLICK HERE >> https://firstchapterpus.com/subscribe/

In early autumn, both “Secrets of a Nun” and “The Shaman and The Mafia” will be featured in Shelf Unbound magazine. Additionally, they will be displayed in a glossy catalog at the Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs from October 3rd to October 13th, 2025.

Here is some fantastic news and updates for readers and friends who have supported my books. To show my appreciation, I am offering three of my Kindle books for FREE this week, from August 7th to August 10th, 2025. Then, beginning August 11th, through September 20th, 2025, all my Kindles will stay priced at $3.99 to close out ‘Summertime Reading!’

You can download them from Amazon Kindle using the links below:
1. The Silver Woman of Fire: Gather Your Nerve and Live – https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Woman-Fire-Gather-Nerve-ebook/dp/B08YRYKFWB/ <

2. The Shaman and The Mafia –
https://www.amazon.com/Shaman-Mafia-Elizabeth-Upton-ebook/dp/B09F7LYS7Q/ << CLICK

3. You Are a Sovereign Woman of Strength, Love, and Grace: Embrace Your Journey – https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Woman-Strength-Love-Grace-ebook/dp/B0CV8TM9CX/ 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Upton is an American Author and an influential writer of fiction and nonfiction spiritual self-discovery books.

Her best-selling books, ‘Secrets of a Nun: My Story,’ ‘The Silver Woman of Fire,’ and ‘The Shaman and The Mafia,’ helped set Elizabeth Upton firmly on the world’s literary map. With many novels to her credit, she released a new book in June 2022 titled ‘Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge, which is book three of ‘The John Callahan novel series.’

Elizabeth’s favorite she enjoyed writing was ‘The Shaman and The Mafia,’ as she shares, “The creation of this story has been an exciting journey. If possible, I would love to meet all of the characters in this book in real life.” Elizabeth’s books and novels are available on Amazon online and Barnes & Noble and featured on fine literary book sites.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA., until the age of sixteen, when she entered a New York State Convent and became a nun for twenty years, but she yearned for a more authentic spiritual life. Elizabeth left the convent and chose to attend and receive her B.A. from Syracuse University.

Returning to her native state of California, she attended and received her M.A. in psychology from Chapman University. The Author began working for over thirty years in family counseling as a social worker and probation officer, working with troubled teens and abused children. She is a speaker, spiritual mentor, and advisor.

Elizabeth is happily married and enjoys writing books for her readership around the world. When the Author is not writing, she works out with a personal trainer to stay fit and healthy; she loves spending time on long walks on the beach with her husband and dog. Her favorite colors are blue, green, and gold. She enjoys reading good books by some of her favorite authors like Geraldine Brooks, Hanh, Jerry Archer, Joseph Murphy, and Michael Connelly. 
Elizabeth, her husband, and her pup reside in Santa Barbara, CA.

The Definitive Guide to Amazon Keyword Research for Books
(Courtesy of
Lakshmi Padmanaban )

As an author, nothing is more important than getting your book discovered by readers. While a well-written story and polished production values are table stakes, they only take you so far if potential buyers can’t easily find your book. This is where optimizing your book’s ranking on Amazon becomes crucial.

In this blog, let’s look at specific strategies that can boost your book’s visibility — from leveraging search suggestions to analyzing top competitors in your genre.

Whether you’re a debut indie author or a seasoned pro, the keyword tactics outlined here can help you understand how Amazon’s algorithms work and give your book the best chance to rank. By the end, you’ll have an action plan to start implementing immediate improvements. So let’s start taking your Amazon book ranking to the next level through data-driven keyword optimization.

5 Keyword Research Strategies to Boost Your Amazon Ranking
1. Select High-Volume Keywords

When optimizing your book on Amazon, focus on selecting high-volume keywords that have a substantial search volume. This will help increase your book’s visibility and potential for sales. To identify these keywords, utilize keyword research tools created specifically for Amazon, like Ahrefs Amazon Keyword Tool, Sellesta or Sellzone. These platforms will provide you with data on search volume and related keywords to better inform your decisions. Experiment with different platforms and identify the tools that work best for your needs. Remember to regularly update your research and stay informed about trends and changes in keyword performance — and, most importantly, to monitor your keywords’ performance and adjust your selections.

2. Long-Tail vs. Short-Tail Keywords

There are two types of keywords to consider when optimizing your book on Amazon: long-tail and short-tail keywords. Short-tail keywords consist of one or two more generalized words with higher search volumes. Long-tail keywords, on the other hand, are longer phrases with more specific intent and lower search volumes.

While it’s tempting to focus solely on short-tail keywords, balancing both long-tail and short-tail keywords is essential. This combination will help you reach both a larger audience as well as a more niche demographic. Incorporate both types of keywords into your Amazon book listing to achieve the best results for discoverability and sales.

3. Analyze Top-Selling Competitors

One of the best places to start keyword research is by analyzing your top-selling competitors. Look at the keywords in their product titles, descriptions, and bullet points. List the most frequently used keywords by successful competitors in your niche. These are likely to be highly searched terms that can drive sales.

When choosing keywords from competitors, look for long-tail keywords that are more specific than just generic brand or product terms. Long-tail keywords tend to have lower search volumes but are easier to rank for. You’ll want a mix of both high and low search volume keywords. Also, consider keywords related to your unique selling points that competitors may not be targeting.

Once you have a list, plug the keywords into the Amazon search bar to check the search volume and the number of related products listed. Focus on mid-range keywords that have monthly searches in the hundreds or low thousands. Highly competitive keywords with tens of thousands of searches may be too challenging to rank for initially.

4. Use the “Customers Also Searched For” Section

When viewing a book detail page on Amazon, a “Customers Also Searched For” section lists related keywords. These suggestions are based on the search patterns of customers who viewed that product. Add these related keywords to your list, as they are queries Amazon has identified as relevant.

For added context on search volume and competition, you can analyze these keywords like those from competitors. The “Customers Also Searched For” section on top-selling listings provides a wealth of relevant keyword ideas already validated by Amazon search data.

5. Research Questions in Your Book Category

Another source of potential keywords is to brainstorm common questions customers may ask about your book category. For example, in the gardening niche, you could come up with queries like “how to grow tomatoes” or “best fertilizer for roses.”

To validate these question-style keywords, enter them into the Amazon search bar preceded by “how to” or “what is” to see if auto-complete suggestions populate. If so, those queries indicate actual customer searches. You can then check search volume and competition. Question keywords tend to be longer-tail but can perform well if you have comprehensive answers in your listing.

How to Enhance Your Book’s Visibility With the Right Keywords?

Since Amazon has tons of books available at the click of a button, it’s crucial for authors to optimize their book descriptions, categories, and keywords for better visibility. Let’s focus on the best ways to enhance your book’s visibility through the effective use of keywords.

Incorporating Keywords in Book Titles

When choosing your book’s title and subtitle, consider relevant keywords that readers might use to search for your book. Including these keywords in your title and/or subtitle can help improve your book’s discoverability on Amazon. For example, if your book is about vegan cooking, you might choose a title like “The Vegan Kitchen: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Plant-based Recipes.”

Similarly, add your best keywords in the title, but at the same time, make sure that it’s utterly relevant to your book topic. Keep the title keywords very specific and close to the book title — preferably something that’s descriptive and gives a teeny-tiny insight into what your book is. Otherwise, your keyword inclusion will look forced and can actually drive readers away.

Incorporating Keywords in Book Description

After you’ve included the best and title-closest keywords to the book title, the next place to include them is in your book description. This is one of the places that Amazon considers when ranking your book. So from the list of keywords you’ve obtained from one of the keyword research tools, choose a few best ones that are very specific to what your book is about — and the keywords your target audience will use to search for books like yours.

Sprinkle those keywords all around your book description, making them sound natural and an organic part of the description instead of being forced. Add as many keywords as possible and repeat the primary keywords more than once. This is one of the best ways to get your book noticed by the Amazon search engine and increase its visibility in the search results.

Optimizing Author Pages with Keywords

Your Amazon Author Central page is another crucial place to include relevant keywords. By incorporating keywords into your author bio, book descriptions, and editorial review sections, you can boost your page’s SEO.

For instance, mentioning specific book genres you write in (‘romance’ or ‘crime thriller’) and adding a few writing-related qualifications with keywords like ‘award-winning author’ or ‘writing workshops’ can improve your Amazon Author Central page’s search visibility.

Wrapping Up

Implementing a comprehensive keyword strategy is one of the most impactful ways for authors to boost their book’s visibility and sales on Amazon. By thoroughly researching high-volume keywords, analyzing top competitors, and leveraging Amazon’s own search data suggestions, you can identify the most effective keywords to target. However, it’s important to regularly evaluate keyword performance and be willing to adjust your approach over time as search trends and algorithms change.

The techniques covered here, such as balancing long-tail and short-tail keywords, optimizing your book description and author page, and understanding the differences between Amazon and Google optimization, can help increase your book’s discoverability by more readers if implemented strategically. While ranking highly takes ongoing effort, focusing your efforts on keywords that are relevant, descriptive, and specific to your book topic and genre will give your book the best chance to succeed on Amazon.

With data-driven keyword research and optimization, you can start taking control of your book’s Amazon performance. Use the actionable tactics discussed in this post to analyze your book’s discoverability gaps and prioritize improvements. By leveraging the power of keywords, you’ll be able to enhance your book’s visibility, outshine competitors, and connect with more of the readers looking for your exact book. The time invested in optimizing keywords will pay off in increased readership and sales on Amazon for many books to come.

About Book Three – ‘The Board Extraction’ – ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin’ Series of Novels.

“Larry Martin lives two very different lives, in two different
worlds. In Book Three, his personal journey continues in what
is now a 2023 PenCraft Book Award First Runner Up winner
of ‘Realistic Dramatic Fiction.’ Additionally, Book Three: The
Board Extraction was awarded a 2023 5-Star Book Review
by Reader’s Favorite and by K.C. Finn.”

As Larry’s saga continues in Atlanta, GA, he is known as Laurie Roberts, the adopted son of a famous architect, Sherman Roberts. Laurie is President of Operations in his father’s international firm.


While Laurie grapples with corruption and theft in the Hong Kong office, he learns that Sherman’s life is threatened by an unseen but highly dangerous business consortium. Managing this threat puts both their lives in danger.

In Manhattan, NY, Laurie is an influential progressive journalist. He writes for The Political Standard, a massive digital newspaper using his pen name, Larry Martin. Peter Bennett is the Director of the paper and Larry’s dearest friend. Trouble comes for Larry. The Political Standard’s board of directors is extremely upset with him.

Larry is forced to fend off another journalist’s unscrupulous intent to destroy him if he doesn’t give her what she wants. And when Peter Bennett is physically assaulted, Larry jumps into high gear and quick thinking to negotiate a delicate situation that is personal to him. The Board Extraction moves swiftly through a nonstop series of events. And through it all, Larry remains highly tactical, metaphysical, calm, kind, and immensely brilliant. . .

About “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin”
Award-Winning Series
of Novels

*******

Emerging Writer and Award-Winning Author Pavane Ravel tells a gripping and unforgettable story in this novel series, which reminds us of the gravity of each decision we make in life. This is a story of self-examination and growth. It is relevant for readers of all political beliefs and backgrounds.

“Larry Martin is a young man – the only child of an abusive father – who was unwittingly indoctrinated into the belief system of the Alt-Right. Larry begins his journalism career writing for a right-wing website. After disaster strikes and he becomes homeless and unemployed, he finds the way forward to a prosperous, ethical, and enlightened future by profoundly changing all that he was. During Larry’s turbulent fight for survival, he comes to the conclusion that he must undergo a drastic transformation to find peace and personal success.
He resolves to make significant changes and become a completely different person.

While only a few short months after being homeless, jobless, and friendless, Larry has acquired a family and friends. He’s fallen in love with a brilliant and beautiful woman who loves him in return. With Larry now the most important journalist for a major liberal website in New York City, he has taken on a second full-time position at a prestigious architectural firm in Atlanta.

Yet, despite all his good fortune, this kind, talented, and giving young man is soon to face insidious lies, outrageous betrayal, and horrific danger…

**********

For immediate release:

The author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome!

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Drama book “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin: Book Three: The Board Extraction” by Pavane Ravel, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F9V6J885.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper-Collins and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“The Board Extraction” is a work of fiction that falls within the political suspense drama, slice-of-life, and sociocultural writing subgenres. It is the third installment of the ongoing saga titled “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,” which chronicles his life and personal journey.

The work is best suited for adult readers with its complex themes, and was penned by author Pavane Ravel. The author continues to deliver a thought-provoking and immersive narrative centered around the formerly indoctrinated Larry and his new liberal ethos in life. As the narrative unfolds, Larry Martin’s character evolves, and he grapples with the consequences of his decisions. The story goes beyond mere entertainment as it delves into self-examination, personal growth, and the weight of one’s choices. Author Pavane Ravel’s writing is adroitly beautiful, blending political and social issues with drama and romance together seamlessly into Larry’s ongoing life journey to find himself.

I was thrilled to be back in his world and see what happened next in his interpersonal relationships. This multifaceted installment offers new elements of romance, humor, and drama that play out in perfect balance against the more topical issues of political and business power plays. Larry’s unexpected detour into modeling was one of my favorite sections, as it’s always so relatable to see him be such a fish out of water.

What struck me most was how much this series resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds and beliefs because it’s Larry’s open-mindedness and sense of discovery that bonds us to his cause. It’s a reminder that our decisions, big or small, carry consequences and shape our paths, and the information we build those decisions on is never foolproof.

Overall, readers seeking a resonant series that encourages introspection and contemplation about our own choices need look no further than The Other Shoes of Larry Martin for everything they need. I’d particularly recommend The Board Extraction for a unique blend of entertainment and reflection, which offers valuable insights into life’s complexities.“

You can learn more about Pavane Ravel and “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin: Book Three: The Board Extraction” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-other-shoes-of-larry-martin/2, where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC
PR Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202

Pavane has a great sense of humor and loves to engage and connect with readers.
While the author resides and divides her time between Manhattan, NY, and Georgia.
She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website
and by connecting on social media.

VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, BlueSky,

>> https://dianeolsenawardwinningauthor.com/2025/03/15/welcome-readers-to-rising-wind-and-book-one-the-thunder/

“All the time I wondered who Secora James was, and how we could
possibly find, let alone help, a mythical creature.“

“Wakinyan Tanka, the Great Thunderbird contacted me in a dream while I was in the hospital healing from a lightning strike. She was perched atop a misty cliff and stood at least eight feet tall as far as I could tell. Her stare had a primitive fierceness that made me feel paralyzed, unable to move or speak. She was aware, and telepathically said, “All life is tenacious. You have survived what most men would not. My kind has survived what many of the large ones from a cooler time did not. She marked the statement by raising a Mohawk of crimson-tipped feathers that ran from the crest of her head partway down the back of her gray-black neck.
I am Wakinyan Tanka.
Long ago, humans relied on the grace of my people to lift their prayers by the wind of our wings to the Great Mystery of which we are all a part of. To those who sought our aid all over the earth, we were the embodiment of effortless grace, the Winged Power who protected and destroyed.”

If you’re a reader or a movie enthusiast who loves the “Indiana Jones” saga and enjoys mystery, action, and adventure, you’ll love reading all seven books in the thrilling and gripping “Rising Wind” novel series.

Books are available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle! Read free with Kindle Unlimited too!
https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Wind-3-book-series/dp/B093PRX88L/

ABOUT THE NOVEL SERIES

From Book One:

“The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” is a story of transformation; a story of emotional, physical, and metaphysical growth achieved by a remarkable young journalist, Larry Martin. Larry Martin is a young man – the only child of an abusive father – who was unwittingly indoctrinated into the belief system of the Alt-Right.

Larry began his journalism career writing for a right-wing website. After disaster strikes and he becomes homeless and unemployed, he finds the way forward to a prosperous, ethical, and enlightened future by profoundly changing all that he was.

“The Other Shoes of Lary Martin Series”

From Book Two
Readers will highly enjoy “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” book 2 of ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,’ a novel series with more political intrigue, family drama, and suspense. Another Best-Seller by Author Pavane Ravel!

Larry Martin in his quiet, kind, and mystical way, continues his journey to a new life, a new vision, and a new understanding. Larry has become a rising star in the world of progressive journalism. While only a few short months after being homeless, jobless, and friendless, Larry has acquired a family and friends. He’s fallen in love with a brilliant and beautiful woman who loves him in return. 

Larry Martin, in his quiet, kind, and mystical way, continues his journey to a new life, a new vision, and a new understanding. Larry has become a rising star in the world of progressive journalism. While only a few short months after being homeless, jobless, and friendless, Larry has acquired a family and friends.

He’s fallen in love with a brilliant and beautiful woman who loves him in return. Even though Larry is now the most important journalist for a major liberal website in New York City, he has taken on a second full-time position at a prestigious architectural firm in Atlanta.

Yet, in spite of all his good fortune, this kind, talented, and a generous young man is soon to face insidious lies, outrageous betrayal, and horrific danger in book 2, and that is only the tip of the dramatic iceberg!

**************

“Larry Martin lives two very different lives, in two different
worlds. In Book Three, his personal journey continues in what
is now a 2024 PenCraft Book Award First Runner-Up winner
of ‘Realistic Dramatic Fiction.’ Additionally, Book Three: The
Board Extraction, was awarded a 2024 5-Star Book Review
by Reader’s Favorite.”


Book Three Cover Reveal — “The Board Extraction”

As book three opens and Larry’s saga continues in Atlanta, GA, he is known as Laurie Roberts, the adopted son of a famous architect, Sherman Roberts. Laurie is President of Operations in his father’s international firm.

While Laurie grapples with corruption and theft in the Hong Kong office, he learns that Sherman’s life is threatened by an unseen but highly dangerous business consortium. Managing this threat puts both their lives in danger.

In Manhattan, NY, Laurie is an influential progressive journalist.
He writes for The Political Standard, a massive digital newspaper using his pen
name: Larry Martin. Peter Bennett is the Director of the paper and Larry’s dearest friend.

Trouble comes for Larry…

The Political Standard’s board of directors are extremely upset with him.
Larry is forced to fend off another journalist’s unscrupulous intent
to destroy him if he doesn’t give her what she wants.
And when Peter Bennett is physically assaulted, Larry jumps
into high gear and quick thinking to negotiate a delicate situation that
is personal to him.

The Board Extraction moves swiftly through nonstop
events. And through it all, Larry remains highly tactical, metaphysical,
calm, kind, and immensely brilliant…
*********

About The Author

Pavane Ravel is an award-winning, acclaimed, influential writer and novelist of literary realistic fiction and author of her introductory novel series, “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,” with book one released in Oct. 2021 titled “Revelation of Lies,” while book two titled “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” was released in Feb. 2023.

Pavane’s book two won first runner-up placement in realistic drama fiction given by “The PenCraft Book Awards” in October 2023. Ravel’s novels are available from her official website (pavaneravel.com), Amazon Books, Amazon Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited while featured in many fine online bookstores, magazines, and online reader sites.

She has always wanted to be a full-time writer and finally reached the point where that dream is a reality. She has traveled extensively over the years and has seen nearly the entire United States, much of Canada, Europe, and some of South and Central America. Pavane also studied political science and journalism at universities in the United States and Europe.

Pavane is happily married and has raised successful grown children. She enjoys discussing economics after working as a commodities broker. She and her family reside in New York, and she shares her time concentrating on family, close friends, and writing. She also continues to enjoy international traveling.

For Pavane, who is passionate about politics and societal issues, these books and this series are important stories to tell. Larry Martin is a truly complex and fascinating character as a unique progressive hero.
Pavane enjoys humor and loves to engage and connect with readers.

She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website.

VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook,
 Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, BlueSky,

CAT is excited to share a cover reveal as our writer Elizabeth Upton is currently working on her next non-fiction book, which will be released in mid-spring and will be titled:

BECOME YOUR OWN HERO
BE EMPOWERED TO MOVE FORWARD
WITH RESILIENCE, STRENGTH, AND COURAGE.

Here is a small excerpt from one of the ending chapters for you to enjoy!

Only you can lift yourself out of grief, loneliness, depression from loss, and all the manners of suffering that you will experience throughout your life be it great or be it small. This is your human condition and what it means to be a human- being. Life is what you make of it and not always what you think you deserve. Our human existence is sometimes easy and sometimes hard. And your daily challenge is not to lay down and give up, but to lift yourself out and up no matter what is going on in your life.

We carry emotional wounds from our past into our evolving lives. Sometimes, such wounds are healed, but the scars remain. We are called to move forward and upward, no matter how difficult our life journey becomes. There comes a time when you will appreciate how wonderfully brave you have been by overcoming your life’s challenges. This realization increases your resilience by encouraging you to keep moving forward no matter what.

Even earth’s creatures know when and how to give and receive comfort. The great elephants move in closer to each other, rubbing their trunks around their suffering companions. They know how to mourn and go to graveyards caressing the bones of their once-upon friends in slow reflective movements.
And one by one they move on.

************

NEW BOOK COVER REVEAL

******************

WE ARE GLORIOUS WOMEN

STRONG AND FEARLESS AS THE SEA

UNTOUCHABLE BY FEAR

FOR WE LIVE WILD AMONG THE MOUNTAINS AND THE TREES

PROTECTED BY EARTH’S CREATURES BE THEM LARGE OR SMALL

WE ARE GLORIOUS WOMEN WITHOUT HAIR

LIFTING HIGH WITH THE SUNSHINES

COME SING WITH US

COME SHOUT WITH US

WE ARE GLORIOUS WOMEN BRAVE AND STRONG

COME LAUGH WITH US LOVING OUR LAND

AND LOVING ALL PEOPLES

REACHING OUT TO YOUR HANDS

IT’S TIME TO SING AND DANCE WITH US

WE ARE GLORIOUS  WOMEN

FOREVER THAT’S WHO WE ARE . . .


**************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Upton is an award-winning author and influential writer of gripping romantic thrillers and inspiring self-help nonfiction books.

Her best-selling books, ‘Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story,’ ‘The Silver Woman of Fire’ and ‘The Healing Swords of Love and Innocence’ helped set her firmly within the world’s literary map. With many novels to her credit, her newest fiction book, released in June 2022, titled ‘Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge,’ a gripping romantic thriller, while her new non-fiction release titled ‘You Are a Sovereign Woman of Strength, Love, and Grace: Embrace Your Journey.’

Elizabeth’s favorite book she enjoyed writing was ‘The Shaman and The Mafia,’ she shares, “The creation of this story has been an exciting journey. If possible, I would love to meet all of the characters in this book in real life.” Elizabeth’s nonfiction books and novels are available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle and are featured on fine literary book sites and magazines.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA., until the age of sixteen, when she entered a New York State Convent and became a nun for twenty years, but she yearned for a more authentic spiritual life. Elizabeth left the convent and chose to attend and receive her B.A. from Syracuse University.

Returning to her native state of California, she attended and received her M.A. in psychology from Chapman University. The Author began working for over thirty years in family counseling as a social worker and probation officer working with troubled teens and abused children. She is a speaker, spiritual mentor, and advisor.

Elizabeth is happily married and enjoys writing books for all her readers and fans worldwide. When the Author is not writing, she works out with a personal trainer to stay fit and healthy; she loves long walks on the beach with her husband and dog. She enjoys reading good books by some of her favorite authors like Geraldine Brooks, Hanh, Jerry Archer, Joseph Murphy, and Michael Connelly.

Elizabeth and her husband reside in Santa Barbara, California.

Visit and Connect With The Author
 Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, YouTube, Pinterest, Linkedin,